Dad’s double marathon helps charity

A dad of twins has completed a gruelling physical challenge to raise about £6,000 for Twins Trust.

Richard Hayward, of Willesborough, took less than six hours to complete two marathons across four disciplines.

He ran, rowed, skied and biked his way to the 52-mile mark on April 9.

Richard recalled: “The day was great, all the elements went to plan, and the weather held out for the run with some glorious morning sunshine albeit at about 2°C.

“The weather went one step further and was warm enough to have a drink in the garden with a friend in the late afternoon to celebrate before an early night.”

The fitness fan said the flood of supporting messages helped him get through the challenge as they were read out to him over the course of the day.

He was also buoyed by a visit from 17-month-old twins George and Freddie, saying: “My wife brought them in during the row - one of them sat watching, finding it fascinating and wondering why his dad was so sweaty, while the other did not like the noise and clung on to his mum.”

Richard smashed his target of completing it in seven hours, and says the after effects were better than expected.

The £6,000 raised will go to Twins Trust, the UK’s only charity supporting multiple births.

Richard said: “It helps people who might need a lot of support, physically and emotionally, campaigns nationally for multiple birth families to get better care and not be forgotten and raises funds for research.

To donate to Richard’s cause, visit: bit.ly/2Qg8hnx

Richard Hayward travelled 52 miles for charity